Pasteurella multocida

Pasteurella multocida is a Gram-negative, nonmotile, penicillin-sensitive coccobacillus of the family Pasteurellaceae. It is often associated with various animal and human infections.

Overview

Pasteurella multocida is a bacterium that is commonly found in the mouths of domestic pets such as dogs and cats. It is known to cause a range of diseases in animals, including fowl cholera in birds and atrophic rhinitis in pigs. In humans, it can cause a skin infection known as pasteurellosis following a cat or dog bite.

Infections in Animals

Pasteurella multocida is responsible for a variety of infections in animals. It is the causative agent of fowl cholera in birds and atrophic rhinitis in pigs. It can also cause pneumonia, septicemia, and middle ear infections in various animals.

Infections in Humans

In humans, Pasteurella multocida can cause a skin and soft tissue infection known as pasteurellosis. This typically occurs following a bite, scratch, or lick from a cat or dog. Symptoms of pasteurellosis include redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes fever.

Treatment

Treatment for Pasteurella multocida infections typically involves antibiotics. The bacterium is sensitive to penicillin, and so penicillin or a related antibiotic is often used. In cases where the patient is allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics such as doxycycline or a fluoroquinolone may be used.

Prevention

Prevention of Pasteurella multocida infections involves avoiding bites and scratches from cats and dogs. If a bite or scratch does occur, it should be cleaned immediately with soap and water, and medical attention should be sought.

See Also

• Pasteurellosis
• Zoonotic diseases
• Antibiotics
• Penicillin

Pasteurella multocida Resources
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